Store Spotlight: Building Memories at Build-A-Bear

first came to the Freehold Raceway Mall a little over ten years ago. At the time, I was in middle school and nary a birthday went by where someone did not receive a hand-made stuffed animal as a gift. It quickly became clear, though, that this was a better gift for the giver than the recipient, because everyone knows the joy of Build-A-Bear is in the building!

I’m guessing this is still the case. Whenever I pass the store now, I always spy very excited, engaged children (whilst I sulk outside at my age and lack of little siblings to use as excuses to go in.) The innovation that makes Build-A-Bear stand out from the pack is that they don’t just sell stuffed animals but make the process of their production interactive. Small wonder that this store has survived in our mall where others have not (ye shall be missed, KB Toys.)

The process is a sweet one meant to forge a bond between the owner and their new friend. First, you choose your animal. Next, add sound to your new pet by recording your own or using pre-recorded bits and songs. Employees stuff the animals from what looks like a giant cotton candy machine, but kids can help with the foot pump. At this stage there is also the addition of a heart to the bear, on which each child makes a wish before placing it inside. Then, kids help stitch up their friends and give them the spa treatment by fluffing and brushing their fur. Finally, head to the computers to create a birth certificate for your new friend, and take them home!

The array of creatures has really stepped up from when I was a kid, expanded from simply bears to bunnies, dogs, and even exotics like flamingos or goats. Pricing, however, remains reasonable: stuffed animals range from $10-25. In addition, kids can also pick out clothing and accessories to bring their new friend to life; these items can range from about $3-15. 

Build-A-Bear is also a great destination for parties. Prices start at just $10 a guest (depending on which bears they choose and whether they pick any accessories) for a minimum of six. For holding your party there, Build-A-Bear will include a free souvenir photo of the party, a gift for the guest of honor, and party favors for all, plus printable invitations and thank-you’s available on their Web site. A party leader will guide children through the steps of the process. And while Build-A-Bear does not have a party room or allow food and drink, its location in the mall makes it easy to move the party along to a restaurant or the food court according to your budget. 

Kids tend to have more stuffed animals than they can count, and buying more can be an ephemeral pleasure. Build-A-Bear Workshop offers a fun, sweet experience that kids will remember fondly whenever they look on their new toys.